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Head coach Steve Kerr (L) and governor Joe Lacob of the Golden State Warriors look on during a game between the Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Golden State Warriors had a relatively quiet media day, with Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Steve Kerr holding off on big statements until Jonathan Kuminga finalizes his free agency decision. Veterans Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green all gave measured answers about Kuminga, with the expectation he’ll return later this week.
But while things were muted in San Francisco, a frustrated comment from a young big man in Utah may have put the Warriors on notice.
Walker Kessler Voices Frustration
At Utah Jazz media day, Walker Kessler admitted he was “definitely a little frustrated” after failing to reach a rookie-scale extension with the Jazz. As Tony Jones of The Athletic reported, Kessler and the team won’t agree to a deal before the deadline, setting him up for restricted free agency next summer.
That combination — no extension and public frustration — is exactly the kind of situation that catches the eye of rival front offices.
Walker Kessler on potentially not getting an extension: “I’m definitely a little frustrated … as long as I have a Utah Jazz jersey on I will play winning basketball.”
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) September 29, 2025
Why the Warriors Should Be Watching
GettyWarriors potential trade target Walker Kessler.
Peter O’Keefe of Blue Man Hoop urged Golden State to keep an eye on Kessler as a potential trade target, and it’s not hard to see why.
At seven feet tall, Kessler offers elite rim protection that the Warriors simply don’t have. He averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.4 blocks last season while holding opponents to just 53.7% shooting at the rim. That kind of defensive anchor is something Al Horford, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Quinten Post cannot provide at the same level.
The Warriors have worked to patch holes this offseason with veterans like Horford, Gary Payton II, and De’Anthony Melton, plus depth moves such as Pat Spencer. But the glaring need for a long-term rim protector remains. Kessler fits that profile perfectly.
Warriors Face Challenges in Making a Deal
Of course, targeting Kessler and actually acquiring him are two very different things. Jazz GM Danny Ainge is known for squeezing maximum value out of trades, and Golden State already had tough negotiations with Utah last summer while exploring a potential Lauri Markkanen deal.
The Warriors would need to decide not only what they’re willing to offer, but also whether they’re ready to pay Kessler in restricted free agency. It’s a gamble, but one that could finally give them a defensive anchor in the paint.
What’s Next
For now, Kessler remains with the Jazz. But his extension talks breaking down, combined with his own frustration, makes him one of the league’s most intriguing names to monitor this season.
And for the Warriors, who are trying to extend the Curry era while quietly building their next core, keeping tabs on Kessler is more than just an idea — it could be a glimpse at the future of their frontcourt.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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